I reached into my pocket and opened the text. I was shocked to see it was from Lindsay. I was so distracted I almost lost my footing and fell on my face. I regained my balance and read the text. Her timing was almost supernatural. Maybe it was.
Hi Gorgeous J
I knew things would work out 4u. (Well OK - I’m taking a huge guess here)
BUT I reckon by now your life will be sorted and I can go 2 my grave content with my work.
I wonder if I’ll miss u & my baby when I’m dead. I hope not – it’s painful enough just now without having that for eternity.
I probably won’t contact you again (I know I’ve said that b4) but – I think I’ve only got a few days left.
I love you, Andy, and for the last time, take care of my baby 4 me. I hope everything worked out for u in the end. I hope u r with Molly. If so, never let her go.
Your beautiful wife
Linz xxxxx
As the hill levelled out I caught up with Molly and took her gloved hand in mine. I was lost in thought.
Molly kept her eyes on the path to make sure she didn’t slip. She asked, smiling. ‘I hope that text wasn’t from one of your other women. You’ll need to tell them all you’re taken now.’
I smiled sadly, thankful that the heavy snow meant she couldn’t see the tears in my eyes. ‘No, it was just an old friend wishing me well.’ Silently I promised Lindsay that I would take her advice and would never let Molly go.
We walked more quickly as the snow got heavier. In the distance I could see the warm glow of an old traditional tea-room that would be very welcoming after the cold hillside and headed towards it.
I cuddled into Molly. I was happy now and I think I always would be.
I don’t know if I believe in a happy ending, or even if there should be a happy ending, but I firmly believe that it is the possibility of one that keeps us all going.
© David Atkinson 2014
First published in Great Britain 2014
ISBN 978-1-910208-14-4 (epub)
ISBN 978-1-910208-15-1 (mobi)
ISBN 978-1-910208-16-8 (PDF)
ISBN 978-1-910208-01-4 (print)
Buried River Press
Clerkenwell House
Clerkenwell Green
London EC1R 0HT
www.halebooks.com
Buried River Press is an imprint of Robert Hale Ltd
The right of David Atkinson to be identified as author
of this work has been asserted by him in accordance
with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
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